Marine Shaftline Monitoring and Prognostics: Development, Testing,
and Real-World Validation
A Digital Twin framework developed at the National Technical University of Athens for real-time marine shaftline monitoring and non-invasive bearing condition prognostics will be presented. By hybridizing physics-based models (shaft alignment and multiphysics simulations) with machine learning, the framework provides continuous, predictive insights into structural health to enhance propulsion safety and reliability. The system was systematically validated through the i-Marine and S-PRISMoID projects, progressing from laboratory test rigs to an in-service vessel pilot application. Future work focuses on scaling the technology across diverse vessel types, standardizing industrial monitoring protocols, and collaborating with classification societies for regulatory approval, ultimately advancing predictive maintenance for next-generation smart maritime assets.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Georgios N. Rossopoulos
Prof. Christos Papadopoulos
About the Speakers
Dr. Georgios N. Rossopoulos is a Doctor of Marine Engineering from the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (SNMM) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), as of 2025, having received his diploma from the same school in 2018. In his doctoral dissertation, he utilized optimization and machine learning algorithms for the design and performance evaluation of ship shafting systems. He was involved in experimental measurements of bearing parameters to prevent failures by avoiding critical operating conditions. As part of his diploma thesis in the Division of Marine Engineering, he collaborated with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on the analysis of hydrodynamic journal bearings in marine shafting systems. His research activity focuses on tribology issues, with an emphasis on evaluating and optimizing the performance of the ship’s shafting system, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. He has experience in programming, geometric modeling, 3D surveying, optimization, shaft alignment, utilizing FEM and CFD. He has worked since 2018 on eight (8) domestic and international research projects. He has received scholarships from the ELKE NTUA, the Leventis Foundation, and the Greek section of SNAME, holds 12 published papers and serves as a reviewer for 6 scientific journals.
Christos Papadopoulos is a Professor at the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Since joining the faculty in 2007, he has taught a diverse curriculum, including Mechanical Drawing, CAD, Machine Elements, and Ship Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems. His research focuses on marine propulsion dynamics, CFD-based tribology, shaft alignment, and structural acoustics. Recently, his work has expanded into fleet decarbonization, alternative marine fuels, and environmental policy impacts. His research work includes more than 90 peer-reviewed publications in journals and international conferences, with over 1400 citations. He received the Scientific Award for Excellence from the Greek Ministry of Education in December 2012. He has participated in several research projects funded by the EU, the Greek Government, and industry. He has extensive experience as a consultant to the maritime industry in the field of marine engineering, with emphasis on shaft alignment calculations and measurements, FEM/CFD analyses, and vibration / acoustics measurements and mitigation studies. He is co-founder of ShipReality Inc., a technology startup supporting digitalization, automation, and sustainability of the maritime industry.
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